Mass in Havana Celebrates Celia Cruz Amid Censorship Controversy

A Mass honoring the legendary salsa singer Celia Cruz drew hundreds of attendees in Havana on October 24, 2023, just days after Cuban authorities abruptly canceled a scheduled performance celebrating her centenary. This decision has sparked accusations of censorship, highlighting tensions surrounding cultural expressions in Cuba.

The Mass took place at the Basilica of La Caridad, where Father Ariel Suárez delivered a heartfelt homily. He praised Cruz as an “ambassador of Cuban music” and a vital figure in spreading Cuban culture globally. According to Suárez, Cruz’s vibrant spirit and music brought joy to many. He notably invoked the singer’s signature call, “Azúcar!” which resonated with the crowd.

Among those attending were prominent figures from Cuba’s artistic community, including singer Haila María Mompié and musician Alaín Pérez, as well as the United States Chargé d’Affaires, Mike Hammer. Hammer expressed his admiration for Cruz, stating, “Her songs give hope and joy, but she also wanted freedom for all the Cuban people, which is something we all desire.” Notably absent from the event were any representatives from the Cuban government or the Ministry of Culture.

Born in Havana on October 21, 1925, Cruz rose to fame as the “Guarachera of Cuba” and the “Queen of Salsa.” After leaving Cuba in 1960, she became a symbol for the Cuban exile community, passionately opposing the regime established by Fidel Castro. Cruz’s career flourished in the United States, where she maintained her status as a cultural icon until her death in 2003. Throughout her life, she faced significant challenges in her homeland, receiving minimal recognition from Cuban media due to her political stance.

The recent cancellation of a tribute performance planned by the theater group El Público at the Cuban Art Factory added to the ongoing controversy. Just hours before the event, the state-run National Center for Popular Music posted on social media that the performance would not occur, offering no reasons for the decision. The Cuban Art Factory later shared an image on Facebook of an empty chair under bright lights, symbolizing the tribute that would never be.

The post resonated with many, stating, “A work of art that never was, a chair, silence, and the art of resistance. Celia Lives.” Artists and scholars voiced their discontent online, criticizing the government’s actions as an example of political censorship. Musicologist Rosa Marquetti described the cancellation as a “chapter” in the ongoing struggle against censorship in Cuban culture.

In a recent concert, the Failde Orchestra had already paid tribute to Cruz, emphasizing her lasting influence on Cuban music. The tensions surrounding her commemoration reflect broader issues in Cuba, where cultural expressions are often met with scrutiny from the government.

As celebrations for Cruz’s centennial continue internationally, the contrast between global recognition and local censorship raises significant questions about freedom of expression and the legacy of one of Cuba’s most beloved artists. Cruz’s impact on music and culture remains profound, even as her connection to her homeland remains fraught with political implications.